Overdiagnosis of Hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine (brand name Synthroid) is use to treat hypothyroidism and was prescribed more than statins for cholesterol and blood pressure medications in 2015. In one Johns Hopkins survey noted that about 15% of older Americans are on levothyroxine. However, an European study found that older people with mild hypothyroidism on levothyroxine had no significant improvement of symptoms.
Though some patients really require this medicine, these results suggest an overuse of levothyroxine. Hypothyroidism is a collection of signs and symptoms from fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and elevated TSH, but also these signs can indicate aging or potentially other problems. Even so, numerous patients are still diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism just based on TSH numbers.
One explanation for this is that it is easier to test for thyroid function for TSH and to treat it than trying to fix more serious underlying problems like sleep and diet and exercise. Another possible reason could be increase in patient demand for medications like levothyroxine even though they may have subclinical hypothyroidism.
Click her for Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/21/health/could-be-the-thyroid-could-be-ennui-either-way-the-drug-isnt-helping.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront